California company recalls 60,000 pounds of ground beef that may contain plastic bits
by Editor, CBS Local
The recall was described as: “A health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the produce will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.” The beef was shipped to distribution centers in Arkansas, California, Montana and Texas and intended for use by the National School Lunch Program. Read More ›
Google may stop using ‘cookies’ to track web users
by Elizabeth Dwoskin, Wall Street Journal
Instead of using tiny trackers that dozens of companies attach to websites to monitor people’s browsing, Google is considering a switch to a system that would create its own anonymous identifier for each individual, a Google official said. Read More ›
Privacy laws need update for Internet Age
by Jamie Court, San Francisco Chronicle
Two federal courts in California recently took up the question of whether invasion of privacy laws should apply to unauthorized opening of e-mail, in one case, and interception of unencrypted home Wi-Fi communications in another. Read More ›
Slice your utility bills without sacrificing comfort
by Editor, Consumer Reports
Energy efficiency tops the list of home features that today’s savvy consumers want. And they’re willing to pay for it—an extra $7,100 for a home that will reduce annual energy costs by $1,000, according to a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders. But you don’t have to buy a new house to reap the latest energy savings. Read More ›
Reminder: Don’t be taken in by a charity scam
by Chris Morran, The Consumerist
Between the tragic flooding in Colorado and the shooting in D.C., it’s been one of those weeks that make many people want to do something to help those who are grieving, suffering, or in need. Sadly, tragedies can bring out the worst in some looking to cash in on the charity of well-meaning folks. Read More ›
Your wallet called: Grey charges are costing you dearly
by Ginger Dean, US News
Chances are you’re being hit with grey charges and you have no idea. To make matters worse, by the time you realize their presence on your credit card statement, you’ve already been charged for a few months or more. Read More ›
Insurers limiting doctors, hospitals in health insurance market
by Chad Terhune, Los Angeles Times
Insurers in California’s new health insurance exchange are holding down premiums by limiting choices, raising concerns that patients will struggle to get care. Read More ›
Medical Privacy in the News
Medical app bill signed into law, September 9, 2013, Consumer Federation of California One of the biggest concerns related to the use of smartphones in medical care is the potential breach of patient confidentiality. The increasing use of mobile application software (apps) adds new issues to patient … Read More ›
U.S. Appeals Court rules Google not exempt from wiretap law in Wi-Spy suit
by John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog
Google’s Street View Cars not only were photographing the roads, but were also collecting data – including emails, documents, photos, passwords, and other private information – transmitted over Wi-Fi networks as the cars drove by. Read More ›
San Bruno blast: PG&E settles nearly all remaining lawsuits for a $565 million total
by Paul Rogers, San Jose Mercury News
Closing a major chapter in the catastrophic explosion of its natural gas transmission line that killed eight people and leveled a quiet suburban neighborhood, PG&E announced it has settled nearly all of the remaining victims’ lawsuits for $565 million. Read More ›
When will the golden Apple fall?
Apple’s September 10 introduction of two new iPhone models may impress many of its fans by offering products based on existing ideas or improvements on current versions, but product launches and slick marketing campaigns aren’t enough to keep the public from seeing through its façade. Read More ›
Revealed: How US and UK spy agencies defeat internet privacy and security
by James Ball, Julian Borger and Glenn Greenwald, The Guardian
US and British intelligence agencies have successfully cracked much of the online encryption relied upon by hundreds of millions of people to protect the privacy of their personal data, online transactions and emails Read More ›
9 debt myths debunked: Believe these and it will cost you
by Dana Dratch, CreditCards.com
From the perils of acknowledging old debts to the odds of “inheriting” financial obligations, here are nine myths that need to be permanently busted, along with a few things it pays to know about debts. Read More ›